Dr. Mostafa Sagharyan | Plant Physiology | Editorial Board Member

Published on by Botany Scientist

Dr. Mostafa Sagharyan | Plant Physiology | Editorial Board Member

Postodoc at Tarbiat Modares University | Iran

Dr. Mostafa Sagharyan is an accomplished plant physiologist whose academic journey spans advanced training from leading Iranian universities, culminating in a doctorate focused on microRNA-mediated regulation of phenylpropanoid biosynthesis in Linum album cell cultures under elicitor treatments such as methyl jasmonate and phenylalanine. His academic foundation began with undergraduate studies in plant biology, followed by a master’s specialization in plant physiology, where he optimized callus induction and plant regeneration protocols in Nepeta binaloudensis, achieving distinguished academic performance at both graduate levels and earning top ranking in doctoral program entrance examinations. His research portfolio reflects deep expertise in plant biochemistry, molecular signaling pathways, metabolic engineering, and plant stress resilience, with notable contributions to understanding how regulatory molecules, elicitors, and environmental factors modulate phenolic compound production, lignan biosynthesis, carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism, nitric-oxide-mediated signaling, and defensive responses in various plant systems. As the primary designer, performer, data analyst, and lead author of multiple impactful publications in international journals, his work has explored hydrogen sulfide interaction mechanisms in plants, microRNA expression dynamics influencing secondary metabolite pathways, metabolic shifts triggered by exogenous amino acids, the biochemical consequences of melatonin application, and pollution-responsive phenolic enhancement in medicinal species. His experience includes operating advanced analytical platforms such as HPLC and preparative-HPLC, conducting enzyme assays, spectrophotometric and fluorometric analyses, and applying molecular techniques ranging from nucleic acid extraction and PCR-based quantification to gene cloning, Western blotting, and flow cytometry. Mostafa is also proficient in bioinformatic and statistical analysis using R, SPSS, Prism, FlowJo, MetaboAnalyst, and primer design tools, complementing his strong background in plant tissue culture, hairy root transformation, and metabolite assessment. Alongside his research activities, he has contributed to teaching biostatistics, SPSS analysis, and plant physiology for Olympiad students, demonstrating a commitment to scientific training and academic mentorship. His scholarly achievements, research excellence, and technical versatility position him as a dynamic and innovative researcher in modern plant science.

Profile : Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications : 

Sagharyan, M., & Sharifi, M. (2024). Metabolic and physiological changes induced by exogenous phenylalanine in Linum album cells. Journal of Plant Growth Regulation.

Esmaeili, S., Sharifi, M., Ghanati, F., Soltani, B. M., Samari, E., & Sagharyan, M. (2023). Exogenous melatonin induces phenolic compounds production in Linum album cells by altering nitric oxide and salicylic acid. Scientific Reports.

Sagharyan, M., Sharifi, M., & Samari, E. (2023). Methyl jasmonate redirects the dynamics of carbohydrates and amino acids toward lignans accumulation in Linum album cells. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry.

Khodamoradi, S., Sagharyan, M., Samari, E., & Sharifi, M. (2022). Changes in phenolic compounds production as a defensive mechanism against hydrogen sulfide pollution in Scrophularia striata. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry.

Tashackori, H., Sharifi, M., Ahmadian Chashmi, N., Behmanesh, M., Safaie, N., & Sagharyan, M. (2021). Physiological, biochemical, and molecular responses of Linum album to digested cell wall of Piriformospora indica. Physiology and Molecular Biology of Plants.

Kuna Karthik | Horticulture | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Botany Scientist

Mr. Kuna Karthik | Horticulture | Best Researcher Award

PhD at Dr YSR Horticulturual University | India

Mr. Kuna Karthik is a dedicated horticultural researcher and floriculture specialist whose academic journey and professional pursuits reflect a deep commitment to advancing ornamental crop science, plant propagation, and sustainable landscape practices, having cultivated strong expertise in floriculture, landscaping, plant tissue culture, nursery management, crop production, and ornamental plant physiology, with his scholarly interests shaped through extensive research on Ixora floral enhancement, micronutrient optimization, Spathiphyllum micropropagation, and innovative horticultural technologies, and supported by strong academic training in horticulture and floriculture and landscape architecture, where he has contributed significantly to scientific literature through research papers, conference presentations, book authorship, and editorial work, focusing on themes such as in vitro propagation, ex vitro hardening techniques, micronutrient dynamics, postharvest improvement, nursery industry development, nanotechnology applications in floriculture, bioluminescent ornamentals, and sustainable growing media, while also enriching the academic community through multiple book chapters addressing topics including tissue culture of ornamentals, protected cultivation of high-value floricultural crops, biophilic architecture, phytoremediation, urban horticulture, landscape maintenance, integrated nutrient management, soil health, and the sustainable management of horticultural stresses, and further demonstrating leadership and academic engagement through oral and poster presentations at national and international platforms, with recognition for outstanding research communication, along with strong technical proficiency in experimental design, scientific writing, molecular analysis, and plant tissue culture protocols, combined with effective communication skills, attention to detail, multilingual abilities, and a passion for continuous learning, making Mr. Kuna Karthik a promising horticultural professional committed to innovation, sustainability, and excellence in the fields of floriculture and landscaping.

Profile : ORCID

Featured Publications : 

Kuna, K. (2025, November 10). The orchid-pollinator connection: Biology and ecological adaptations. Just Agriculture Magazine.

Kuna, K. (2025, November 7). Role of micronutrients in enhancing floral quality and postharvest shelf life in Ixora. In 2nd International Electronic Conference on Horticulturae (Conference proceedings).

Kuna, K., Ganga, M., & Visalakshi, M. (2025, August 18). Impact of micronutrients on floral quality, plant physiology and shelf life of Ixora coccinea. Journal of Experimental Agriculture International.

Kuna, K. (2025, August 18). Impact of micronutrients on floral quality, plant physiology and shelf life of Ixora coccinea. Journal of Experimental Agriculture International.

Kuna, K. (2025, August 9). Optimizing in vitro callus induction from Spathiphyllum leaf and petiole explants. Journal of Advances in Biology & Biotechnology.

Clara R. Azzam | Plant Genetics | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Botany Scientist

Prof. Dr. Clara R. Azzam | Plant Genetics | Best Researcher Award

Cell Research Department at Agricultural Research Center | Egypt

Prof. Dr. Clara R. Azzam, a distinguished Egyptian scientist, has made significant contributions to plant genetics, cytology, and biotechnology through her long career at the Agricultural Research Center, where she currently serves as Head of the Cell Research Department at the Field Crops Research Institute. She earned her Ph.D. in Agronomy (2001) from Cairo University, focusing on sunflower improvement using both conventional and biotechnological breeding approaches, after completing earlier degrees in plant sciences. With over 30 years of professional experience, she has advanced research in plant tissue culture, molecular breeding, mutation induction, genetic transformation, and crop adaptation to environmental stresses. Her research interests focus on genetic resources, salinity tolerance, mutation breeding, and sustainable agricultural biotechnology. Demonstrating strong scientific impact, she has published 18 documents, accumulated 187 citations across 135 documents, and achieved an h-index of 7. Dr. Azzam possesses advanced research skills in cytogenetics, molecular markers, and crop biotechnology, complemented by leadership in international collaborations with institutions in Germany, Austria, and the USA. She has received multiple honors including the Arab World Lady Medal (2025), Women’s Appreciation Award in Agriculture (2021), and ARC Shields of Excellence. Her achievements reflect outstanding dedication to advancing plant science and agricultural innovation globally.

Profile : Scopus | Google Scholar | ORCID

Featured Publications

Abou-Sreea, A. I. B., Azzam, C. R., Al-Taweel, S. K., Abdel-Aziz, R. M., Belal, H. E. E., … (2021). Natural biostimulant attenuates salinity stress effects in chili pepper by remodeling antioxidant, ion, and phytohormone balances, and augments gene expression. Plants, 10(11), 2316.

Azzam, C. R., Al-Taweel, S. K., Abdel-Aziz, R. M., Rabea, K. M., Abou-Sreea, A. I. B., … (2021). Salinity effects on gene expression, morphological, and physio-biochemical responses of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni in vitro. Plants, 10(4), 820.

Al-Taweel, S. K., Azzam, C. R., Khaled, K. A., & Abdel-Aziz, R. M. (2021). Improvement of Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) and steviol glycoside through traditional breeding and biotechnological approaches. SABRAO Journal of Breeding and Genetics, 53(1), 88–111.

Azzam, C. R., Zaki, S. N. S., Bamagoos, A. A., Rady, M. M., & Alharby, H. F. (2022). Soaking maize seeds in zeatin-type cytokinin biostimulators improves salt tolerance by enhancing the antioxidant system and photosynthetic efficiency. Plants, 11(8), 1004.

Awaad, H., Abu-hashim, M., & Negm, A. (2021). Mitigating environmental stresses for agricultural sustainability in Egypt. In Springer International Publishing.